Expressions of interest are now being called for board positions on the Palaszczuk Government’s newly created independent infrastructure advisory body, Building Queensland.

The eight-person board will guide and shape the future of Queensland’s infrastructure program.

Speaking at the Property Council of Australia’s Downtown Breakfast this morning in Brisbane, Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad encouraged the best and brightest in the infrastructure, planning and delivery business to nominate for the board positions.

“Building Queensland will provide independent, expert advice to the government on productivity-lifting infrastructure priorities based on rigorous business cases, including cost-benefit analyses and community benefits,” Ms Trad said.

“It has been established within the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning.”

“Legislation for Building Queensland is to be introduced and considered by the Queensland Parliament and following the enactment of legislation, I expect Building Queensland to be operating as an independent statutory body by the end of this year.”

“The Board will provide strategic direction to Building Queensland during the remainder of this year, and will begin its formal functions once the Building Queensland legislation is in place.

“We are seeking experts in the infrastructure and major projects, finance and public private partnerships, urban planning and design, engineering and construction, economics, and transport and logistics arena.”

“Establishing Building Queenslandto create a pipeline of projects for consideration is a key priority for this government, and shows that we’re serious about delivering projects and jobs that will grow the economy.

“Industry, investors and communities deserve to know how and when the state’s infrastructure needs will be determined and delivered,” Ms Trad said.

Building Queensland will ensure a consistent framework across government for prioritising and assessing costs and benefits of competing projects, increase opportunities for leveraging Commonwealth funding, and will develop a pipeline of projects for the government to consider.

The Board of Building Queensland will meet a minimum of three times a year.

MR NICHOLLS asked the Deputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for Trade (MS TRAD) –QUESTION:Will the Deputy Premier detail for the benefit of the House (a) the name of each infrastructure project the State Government proposes to send to Labor's independent Building Queensland statutory authority and (b) when nominations shall be called for membership of the authority given the entity will be independent and free from political interference?ANSWER:I thank the Honourable Member for Clayfield for his question.I can assure the Honourable Member that establishing Building Queensland is a key priority for this government and that its independence will be enshrined in new legislation.Building Queensland will provide advice to government on infrastructure projects based on rigorous business cases which consider cost-benefit analysis and community benefits.We have identified a number of projects for early consideration by Building Queensland, including public transport projects. These initial projects will be formally referred to Building Queensland following its establishment.I can confirm that the Department of Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning is currently drafting new legislation which I am proposing to introduce to Parliament in the near future. This legislation will enable the formal establishment of Building Queensland as a completely separate, independent entity.Once the legislation is considered and passed by Parliament, the Governor in Council will have the power

The trouble with this process is that governments - state and federal - constantly tinker with the process such that nothing gets done. We did have a document outlining these infrastructure projects (Connecting SEQ) and then we got the LNP's Stronger Queensland Plan. Infrastructure Australia did have a list of major 'nation building projects' and CRR was at the top, shovel ready for construction.

There is enough expertise in governments telling the pollies what needs to be done. The IA report is the latest of these.

Governments must be seen to be doing something, but that is where things stop. The brochures, the drive-through videos, the strategy launches, the advisory committees, appointment of the dedicated taskforces, the preparation of business cases, the 'pre-construction feasibility assessments' are all smokescreen. Nothing eventuates.

Before any of these things, what's required is a body of financiers to identify the pot of money that can be raised to spend on the infrastructure. Money first, infrastructure second.

Unfortunately, that probably will require some new taxing measure (increased land tax, increase in fuel excise, congestion tax, variable rego fees based on distance travelled and measured by GPS devices) and/or PPP arrangement.

Federal Coalition and state Labor not interested in new taxes, ALP wary of PPP and competitive tendering.

Result: stalemate.

Governments know that, but want to be seen to be doing something. The meeting fees of members of a new taskforce and the price of a new glossy brochure are cheap and keep false hopes alive. That is the important thing, as far as government is concerned. Hope translates into votes.

We are seeing the politics being played out here. There is a good case for electoral cycles to be five years rather than three because governments would be forced to PLAN for five years rather than SURVIVE for three.

So, Ms Trad is going to set up a new advisory body. When she is called to account, journos will ask something like 'what are you going to do about the poor PT infrastructure and the need to augment it'.

Ms Trad: 'We have set up a taskforce to advise us on the best way forward. Labor know the problem and, unlike the LNP, we have put in place the means to identify the positive steps we need to make to overcome the issues. Our situation would be helped if Tony Abbott reverses his opposition to investment in urban rail and public transport generally. Queensland Labor will keep the pressure up to have that position overturned'.

THEN, behind the scenes, she asks the taskforce to bring down its findings immediately before the next election. Big launch of the 'grand plan', glossy brochure, promotional ad campaign. Yet, nothing gets done.

The day after the election is groundhog day. We repeat the scenario.

The public has to call the state government to account. WHAT WILL YOU DO, we should ask.

Trad and co. know they have no money, and they know it isn't a tenable position to do nothing for 3 years (and you can't reply with 'you elected us to do nothing' to the general populous). So the way forward is to be seen to be doing things. It is Yes, Minister all over again.

Establishing Building Queensland will allow Trad and co. to be seen to be doing something. Beerburrum - Landsborough? Oh, BQ is having a review into that which will be conveniently ready 30 days before the next election. Cross River Rail? We are awaiting a decision on federal government funding for the 15th time, and I am spamming Warren Truss' inbox regularly.

Organisations like BQ don't achieve anything concrete, but they allow ministers to spin the truth so it appears they are actually doing something and often tell the government either what they want to hear or what they already know. Holding 'reviews' does the same thing. Holding just a bucketload of 'reviews' into things does S.F.A., but it makes people think the government is doing something, and then when the review is finished, nobody cares about the matter and it can pass into the political abyss.

It also ultimately puts off the politically difficult decisions to another government, and as seen by the recent election, even if you have a super-majority, if you take politically difficult decisions to an election, you run the serious risk of losing the election, even if said policies are for the betterment of the state/country.

I'm nowhere near as cynical about BQ. We NEED an independent body with the competence to work out what should receive funding, because the existing array of authorities and agencies (DTMR, QRTA, EDQ and all the rest) are inept at it, as is any government of the day.

Giving the current mob all the funding in the world is no guarantee it will be spent right, same as the last mob.

Negative people... have a problem for every solution.Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members. Not affiliated with, paid by or in conspiracy with MTR/Metro.

^ Hmm. Is evacuation a problem with BaT? Take a look at the bus tunnel, it has two enclosed safety passages. The bottom deck (rail) does not. Evacuees go to the next tunnel, but the passage is not protected from the track. The issue is if you have 9-car trains, that's possibly 1500 pax trying to shuffle all along that shelf in the next tunnel. That's quite a crowd, and a possibility that another train travelling in the opposite direction could hit people, especially in peak hour when headways are very short.

Negative people... have a problem for every solution.Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members. Not affiliated with, paid by or in conspiracy with MTR/Metro.

I don't think BQ need to assess projects that Queensland Government are not funding. When you fund something yourself, you make sure you do it right because it's your money. Agree but bCCbis not making good

Negative people... have a problem for every solution.Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members. Not affiliated with, paid by or in conspiracy with MTR/Metro.

I don't think BQ need to assess projects that Queensland Government are not funding. When you fund something yourself, you make sure you do it right because it's your money.

It is not a matter of doing things right or wrong. It is the matter of prioritising funds from all levels on government. A lot of major projects that BCC fund themselves are down on the overall Brisbane list.

Media StatementsDeputy Premier, Minister for Transport, Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning and Minister for TradeThe Honourable Jackie TradWednesday, October 28, 2015

Expert-led board appointed to build Queensland’s future

The Palaszczuk Government today announced the eight-member board of Building Queensland, delivering a key election commitment and ensuring a whole-of-government perspective is brought to major infrastructure planning, prioritisation and investment.

Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure, Local Government and Planning Jackie Trad said board included highly experienced experts from the private and public sectors.

“The eight appointments are experts at the top of their chosen fields, with the majority from the private sector,” Ms Trad said.

“All the board members have vast experience in their fields and will play an important role shaping Queensland’s future.

“I am pleased to announce that Mr Alan Millhouse, one of the country’s leading experts on major public and private infrastructure projects, has agreed to head the board of Building Queensland in the role of chair.

“I am confident that under his leadership, Building Queensland will provide the government with independent, expert advice on infrastructure priorities and also assist evaluating infrastructure projects brought to government as market-led proposals.

“Alan Millhouse headed Allen’s national infrastructure practice from 1996-2008 where he provided high level advice on the structuring, development and financing of major infrastructure projects and was also president of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland and served on a number of boards including Queensland Motorways and SunWater.

“The Building Queensland board will have strong representation from the private sector with Mr James McKenzie, Mr Graham Hooper, Professor Catherin Bull and Ms Jacqui Walters also appointed as members.

“Queensland’s Under Treasurer, Jim Murphy, Director General of the Department of Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning, Frankie Carroll and the Director General of Premier and Cabinet, David Stewart have also been appointed to the board.”

The Queensland Parliament last night passed legislation formally establishing Building Queensland - a new independent, statutory body that will drive Queensland’s infrastructure program and create a pipeline of projects for the state to boost investment and create jobs.

“Building Queensland delivers on Labor’s commitment to plan and provide the infrastructure that our local communities need,” Ms Trad said.

“By creating a pipeline of infrastructure projects for the Queensland Government to consider, Building Queensland will ensure infrastructure projects that deliver returns to local communities and our state’s economy are prioritised.”

Ms Trad said Building Queensland will take the politics out of infrastructure as experts, not politicians, evaluate proposals, and develop rigorous business cases using transparent and disciplined frameworks.

“Queenslanders will see infrastructure projects which are prioritised appropriately and deliver returns to their local community and in turn Queensland’s economy,” Ms Trad said.

“Building Queensland demonstrates the Palaszczuk Government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure projects that improve Queensland’s national and international competitiveness and benefit the community.

“Building Queensland also delivers the private sector the certainty they need to do business with the Queensland Government and invest in our state.”

Building Queensland will independently assess infrastructure projects through rigorous business case development including cost-benefit analysis and the assessment of community benefits and the body will only put forward priority infrastructure projects for government consideration.

“The private sector can now have confidence that government decisions will be based on the long-term interests of Queensland and these decisions will be transparent and based on best-practice analysis,” Ms Trad said.

“Building Queensland will produce a pipeline of priority projects every six months for consideration and this will inform the development of future projects in the State Infrastructure Plan and will also draw on the expertise of the private sector for detailed market sounding in its business cases.

“Consistent with the Palaszczuk Government’s strong commitment to transparency and accountability, Building Queensland will have to publish its decisions and deliberations online.

“This careful and open-book planning was absent from Queensland under the last LNP Government.”

The establishment of Building Queensland follows an extensive consultation program with over 150 information sessions explaining the role and responsibilities of the body to stakeholders including industry associations, private sector companies and peer organisations.

Building Queensland has already commenced its role leading the development of business cases for a number of key projects including the Queensland Government’s highest priority project, Cross River Rail, as well as the Train Control System Upgrade, Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade and Queensland Health Legacy ICT projects.

Mr Millhouse headed Allens’ national infrastructure practice from 1996–2008 where he provided extensive advice on structuring, development and financing of major infrastructure projects (particularly in the water and transport industries) including public private partnerships (PPPs).

Previously President of the Infrastructure Association of Queensland and has served on a number of Boards including Chair of Queensland Motorways and Director SunWater.

- Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws

Members:

James McKenzie

Mr McKenzie has extensive directorial experience, including Chair of Mirvac, ShineWing, Victorian Funds Management Corporation, Gloucestor Coal, Pacific Brands, and Co-Vice Chair Yancoal Australia and has also held the position of CEO of Norwich Union Australia and Managing Director of Funds Management and Insurance at the ANZ Banking Group.

He has served as a director of a number of public companies and is currently the Chair of ShineWing.

- Bachelor of Business; Chartered Accountant

Graham Hooper

Mr Hooper has held executive roles for AECOM/Maunsells in a 26-year association focused on transportation, logistics and ports.

Previously, Mr Hooper had four years with PNG Harbours Board and has worked in 20 countries and was a member of AECOM’s Global Major Projects Risk Review Committee.

- Bachelor of Engineering (Civil and Structural)

Professor Catherin Bull

With an academic career in urban planning and design built on an earlier architectural career, Ms Bull has extensive experience sitting on Boards and panels providing high level advice on infrastructure planning and delivery.

- Research degrees, Professor

Jacqui Walters

An independent consultant with experience in delivering strategy and change projects in public and private sectors, Ms Walters recently advised a number of state governments on improving major capital project performance.

Ms Walters is also an Advisory Board Member with two social enterprises.

- Bachelor of Commerce

Government board members

Jim Murphy, Queensland’s Under Treasurer

Frankie Carroll, Director General of the Department of Local Government, Infrastructure and Planning

There is no explanation of the relationship between Building Queensland, TMR and TransLink. Does Building Queensland work up the business case for new transport projects, with TMR being the dogsbody organisation? Does TMR just manage projects that Building Queensland select? Does TMR and QR do all the legwork and submit their 'project application' to Building Queensland for evaluation? For new construction projects, is TMR subservient to Building Queensland? What happens in a bunfight over priorities -- arguments between Building Queensland and TMR? Will the evaluation processes that Building Queensland use be the same as those used by Infrastructure Australia? What happens when Building Queensland says a project has a BCR of 3 and Infrastructure Australia (using its own methodology) comes up with a figure of 1.2? Is that when the state and federal pollies go toe to toe? What is the relationship between Building Queensland, which picks the projects and Treasury, which has to provide the money to fund them? Lots of unanswered questions.

Doubt SCL duplication is on the list as, despite it's design having been completed to Nambour, TMR is redesigning it and stripping out costs ahead of the Business Case being finalised mid-2017. This is despite the current design indicating a positive BCR.

Negative people... have a problem for every solution.Posts are commentary and are not necessarily endorsed by RAIL Back on Track or its members. Not affiliated with, paid by or in conspiracy with MTR/Metro.

If BQ is anything like their predessors PQ (Servants of a different colour govt), I worry for all agencies. Will they receive infrastructure that's best for their end users (taxpayers) or best for the govt of the time.

This SCL duplication should have been finalised and built years ago. Now it's back to the "glossy" drawing board.

Just another brochure and a way of them doing nothing as they know they will be out in 18 months. Useless bunch of tossers!!

If this is the only thing you're ever going to contribute to this forum, then just leave.

This is my opinion (and reality) if you don't like it don't read my comments. Sometimes the truth hurts, welcome to reality.

Much like how many people doesn't like your beloved LNP.

Beloved LNP? Pull your head in. There is not a good level of government in this country at the moment. Not that it's any of your fuc$in business, but I have voted Labor a number of times in my life, I am not one eyed like some!!

Just another brochure and a way of them doing nothing as they know they will be out in 18 months. Useless bunch of tossers!!

If this is the only thing you're ever going to contribute to this forum, then just leave.

This is my opinion (and reality) if you don't like it don't read my comments. Sometimes the truth hurts, welcome to reality.

You're more than welcome to your opinion regarding the Government, as is everybody. However, this is a public transport advocacy forum and the only thing I have ever seen you post is something along the lines of "This Government sucks" etc. So, possibly lay off that and actually post something that is useful/appropriate for the forum is all I ask.

Beerburrum to Nambour in the (re)mix with Business case due in Q1 of 2017 (by end March).I note that the duplication to Landsborough is there but the duplication to Nambour has been retrograded to just upgrade of existing line, NOT the proper full duplication with corridor and grade realignment

^ Yes! The sleight of hand continues ... the report (and all other reports on the subject) carries the heading 'Beerburrum to Nambour Rail Upgrade', but the subtext makes clear that the project has been scaled back from 'duplication to Nambour' to duplication to Landsborough (only) and then upgrade the existing infrastructure (only) between Landsborough and Nambour.

In other words, the most expensive part of the duplication to Nambour has been deferred, although you would not get a government pollie saying that. They will continue to use words such as "My government is fully-committed to the Beerburrum-Nambour rail upgrade."

Now, we are entitled to ask why the duplication commitment stops at Landsborough even though the duplication engineering and planning has been completed to Nambour. Is the government hedging its bets, ready to switch its future funding to the CAMCOS corridor (where it might get some private sector financing for things such as a Caloundra station upgrade), or is the government notionally reallocating money it otherwise might have spent on the Landsborough-Nambour full duplication to works it has flagged further north, beyond Nambour, where the transport sector has been pressing for longer passing loops and minor alignments to allow for the operation of longer freight trains?

I am banking on the latter. Now the government will say it doesn't have to complete duplication to Nambour to achieve the objective of 'fast, efficient train services to the Sunshine Coast'. It could be argued that Landsborough is the Sunshine Coast, be it on the edge of the conurbation. It is good to see the government, via Building Queensland, acknowledge that the operation of freight and passenger trains between Beerburrum and Nambour is almost at capacity and is resulting in disruption. This 'at capacity' status, therefore, applies Landsborough-Nambour, equal to Beerburrum-Landsborough.

How to flesh out the issue? Options include having the Mayor of the Sunshine Coast, Mark Jamieson, put some money down for a new Town Plan for Nambour, or a 'precinct plan' for Nambour railway station, provided the state government supports the plan and includes within it the duplicated track to Nambour. The community groups along the track north of Landsborough and the Nambour Chamber of Commerce could band together and call upon the state government to 'end the uncertainty' over duplication. A friendly political candidate running for the federal election could call for a 'matching contribution' from the feds for duplication between Landsborough and Nambour.

To explain this last point further, and given the way politics is played around this project all the time, someone (maybe even the Mayor) could call upon LNP and Labor federally to commit funds for Landsborough-Nambour duplication. This would have the effect of wedging State Labor, who obviously want a federal contribution for Beerburrum-Landsborough duplication. Instead, some fast-thinking local politician could 'welcome' STATE GOVERNMENT commitment to Beerburrum-Landsborough duplication (ie the full cost of duplication to that point) and call upon the feds to match the $600m estimated cost with a further $600m (50:50 split) to take the duplication to Eudlo, maybe.

Where is Mr Powell, the Opposition spokesperson, in all of this? His electorate includes much of this projected work. And therein could lie the problem ... state Labor reluctant to spend a huge dollop of transport money in the electorate of the Opposition transport spokesperson. That would be petty politics at its worse.